Charles Kazlauskas played the last 25 minutes in Helmond Sport's exciting victory over Eindhoven, but Oguchi Onyewu watched from the bench as Twente earned a comfortable victory over Excelsior.

FC Eindhoven 2 – 4 Helmond Sport

Towering referee Michel Winter doled out seven yellow cards and whistled for three penalties in the Jan Louwers Stadium on Friday night when Helmond Sport tallied an impressive away win in a heated game with Eindhoven.

The first penalty came in questionable circumstances only three minutes into the game when Mark Veldmate went down rather easily while chasing a chip from strike partner Marc Hocher.

Hocher stepped up to slot the PK past Eindhoven's ‘keeper, Ruud Swinkels, giving the visitors an early lead.
Eindhoven would equalize before the half, however, with a debatable penalty of their own.

Ratko Van Simpsen went down under what appeared to be a light tug from Guus Joppen in the 31st minute, but Winter did not hesitate in pointing to the spot. Sjors Paridaans did the honors, knotting the game at one apiece.

The second half started even more quickly for Helmond Sport, as Robbie Haemhouts notched a clever goal in the 47th minute after the Eindhoven defense were caught off guard with a quick restart.

The guest's lead increased to two in the 56th minute, when Haemhouts beat his man to the endline and slid a cross to the six yard line where Veldmate had an easy tap-in.

Rob Van Boekel pulled one back for the hosts in the 76th minute with an opportunistic header after Robert Van Westerop could only parry the initial strike.

But a final penalty in the 86th minute ended Eindhoven's hopes of a comeback.

Moroccan midfielder Rochdi Achenteh was whistled for a rash challenge on the right edge of the box, and Hocher again made no mistake from the spot to give Helmond Sport the two goal win.

Kaz entered the game for winger Etienne Esajas in the 66th minute.

The victory keeps Helmond Sport comfortably in third place in the Eerste Divisie. They will next suit up at home on April 1st against Emmen.

Notes:

Oguchi Onyewu was an unused substitute for Twente's 2-0 win over Excelsior. Michel Preud'homme opted to rest the hulking defender after he played 90 minutes in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The victory keeps Twente just one point behind PSV for the Eredivisie lead. The Tukkers also now enjoy a five point advantage over third place Ajax, who were defeated by ADO Den Haag.

Twente's next game will be a potential title decider when PSV visits Enschede on April 2nd.